Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Butterflies & The Net ❯ Chapter 10: The Date (Part One) �Just A Friendly Outing�Right?� ( Chapter 10 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Butterflies & the Net

by iloveanimecartoons

Genre(s): Psychological/Angst/Drama/Romance

Rating: T

Latest addition: November 14, 2007

A/N: **fangirl squee**=^..^=(Yes, I AMfangirling my own characters—so sueme!) I must be a weird authoress to be so into this chapter but I'm really getting into my characters (but, they tickleme, sometimes). Oh, MAJORKUDOSto Fenikkusukenfor all the helpful e-mails and the invite to the IY community on LJ—you're a PEACH a PLUM and an APRICOT! **cyber glomps Feni** Thanks also go to all the various advisors that helped me in writing what I feel was my most difficult chapter. There're too many people to type so, to all the random strangers, art group members, drivers, and online supporters who let me pick their brains, Arigatou! **bows humbly and blows a kiss…cups hands around mouth and huffs…wrinkles face and coughs…pops a couple Velamints and decides to just give a thumbs up…exits stage right blushing**

Okay, that's enough of that. **sniffle** I think this chapter deserves a nice, relaxed, jazzy/easy listening kind of play list, so...

Theme Music for This Chapter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjeXUTr_wGw&feature=P layList&p=A03C2316A31C1BFD&index=0&playnext=1

Chapter 10: The Date (Part One) “Just A Friendly Outing…Right?”

“You clean up nice,” Jesse smiled at the young woman before him as he slowly shook his head and watched Solya roll the rose stem idly between her hands. “You're so pretty, Solya.”

`He's…still staring at me,' Solya contemplated as she brought the rose up to her nose and inhaled its fragrance, `What do I say? What do I do?'

Though never keeping her eyes on him for longer than a few seconds at a time, the time she did spend viewing him was enough to send delightful warmth through her very being. Wondering if her voice would crack at the slightest utterance, she remained quiet and shuffled her feet a little.

`His smile's so…he looks so…what are the words? What do I say?'

She still felt a little awkward, still blushing at the rose and his appreciative stare, but she had to admit, however new and unnerving the feeling was, she kind of liked being admired. Never could she say she ever knew this feeling. What was it? She didn't know and, at the moment, she didn't care. All she knew is her preconceived notions of what dating and dealing with the opposite sex were—as well as all the advice her friends and family piled on her in the past few weeks—just flew out the window.

Solya Deja Amarante was officially up to her neck in uncharted waters.

For Jesse's part, he was just talking in her transformation. Gone was the laid back, casual, understatedly pretty chick he'd just come to know and appreciate and in her place was this beautiful woman.

`Does she know…how wonderful she looks?' he couldn't help but wonder as she once again averted his eyes and chuckled shyly. As he appraised her posture and expression, he figured she didn't and decided to make it his goal to let her know, all night, how good she looked. He just knew she needed to see herself as what she was tonight. And what she was gave him pause. `She's…she really is a butterfly.'

Finally finding her voice, only able to rely on things she knew to say in response, she decided to give him a compliment back, “Playa, playa. I see you got all pimped out for me. Not bad.”

“Thanks,” Jesse chuckled, “I just made some cookies for my Aunt Chavon. Come on in and taste some while we wait on the ride, Cuteness.”

“…Kay,” Solya managed after a few seconds and allowed him to pull her into the house.

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Not much was said for the first few minutes after Solya joined Jesse in the living room. They both had a couple cookies, then he offered her a drink and she accepted a glass of apple juice and had a seat on the recliner nearest her. As she slowly sipped her juice, she tried to calm her jitters and avoided eye contact while listening to the wall clock tick.

For his part, Jesse couldn't seem to take his eyes off of her. He'd always thought Solya had an odd beauty about her. That was the best way he could describe her; even as Junior High School kids, she seemed to have this understated exotic look that seemed to shine through the image she presented of a tough-but-quiet young woman who hid her smile but for a few of her closest friends and associates. In those days, he'd only gotten a few grins and half smiles out of her from time to time with the closest thing to a real smile being the times he'd make her laugh. He was determined to see lots of real smiles tonight because she looked so…soft. That's the best word he could think of to describe it. Her hair was so pretty, her makeup tastefully done, her perfume was just right—not too heavy or light—and her jewelry stood out well with the colors she chose for her wardrobe. Her outfit was semi-classy, similar to business casual outfits he'd seen in board meetings at his father's job. In a nutshell, she looked really nice…and it was a look he couldn't help but appreciate. Commonly, she was always approachable in her own right as she was—well, she was usually pretty open with most people she felt comfortable with—but now she looked… What was the word? Snapping out of his reverie, he decided it didn't really matter. She just looked good.

Eventually, they started talking about this thing and that, laughing at cheesy jokes and general commentary about their favorite television sitcoms. After about 20 minutes of wearing her down with requests, Jesse finally got Solya to agree to take a couple shots with him on his camera phone. He purposely smiled as ugly as possible in one of the shots and they shared a good laugh over it. Before they both knew it, there was a horn honk and then his cell phone beeped with a text message that his driver was outside. With a startled jump—his cell was on vibrate and the house was pretty quiet at the moment—Jesse got up to open his front door and sure enough, there was their ride.

“Okay, Solya, we're outta here. You'll have a great time, I know it. Let's go,” Jesse called from the front door as he held her jacket open.

As Solya slipped into her coat and took a good look at their ride, she did a triple take.

“Jesse, a limo?” she asked incredulously, suddenly feeling very underdressed, “Why all this for? It's not really all that…um, what-I-meant-to-say-was, it's—”

“It's a special charity my father's really dedicated to. His firm's been a major sponsor for the last 12 years and I've been attending these fundraisers, here and there, for the last four. He couldn't make it tonight—out of town business and all that—so, he asked me to take his place and to feel free to invite anyone I'd like,” Jesse answered, effectively cutting off any further nervous rambling on Solya's part.

“Ah, I see,” was all she could think to say in response as she straightened her clothes and posture unconsciously.

“And…I'm really glad I ran into you that day, Solya—two months ago, I mean. I can't really think of anyone else who'd be able to appreciate it more…or who'd be better company,” Jesse continued as he took her hand and walked them to the limo.

`I'm gonna pinch this man if he doesn't stop talking like that,' Solya grumbled internally as her face warmed—again.

Sensing her discomfort, Jesse gave her hand a gently squeeze which instantly drew her attention. “Don't worry about a thing. We both look good, feel good…” he paused to sniff the air around Solya and himself and grinned cheekily, “…smell good—we're good to go! Let's go enjoy a nice evening on my old man. It's gonna be nice. You'll see.”

Somewhat pacified by Jesse's humor and presence, Solya smiled a genuine smile and nodded, entering the door the chauffeur held for her and her date.

`Date…' Solya mused amazed, `Will wonders never cease?'

`There's that smile,' Jesse smiled to himself in satisfaction as he sat next to her and buckled himself in.

With one last breathy exhale, Solya shook off a good portion of trepidation—not all, but enough to relax her muscles and enjoy her first time in such a fancy vehicle and explore the interior—and watched out the window as Jesse's neighborhood shrank further from view.

“Thank you, Jesse. This is really…it's…I've never…” Solya breathed as her eyes took in her surroundings, at a loss for words, “Thanks.”

“No problem, Cuteness,” Jesse returned with a happy little grin. `Keep smiling, Butterfly…'

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Arriving at the hotel and exiting the limo, Solya took a few minutes to take in the architecture, the glamour, the opulence of clientele, and the rich decorations that adorned the lobby and halls. Suddenly, she wished she'd brought her camera but soon quashed that notion realizing it would make her look like as big a tourist as the out-of-towners across the street at the Inner Harbor.

`Get a grip, Solya. It's just a building. A really…big…fancy…huge building you'd have to spend a month's salary on for one weekend for. But, it's free! Free transportation, food and entertainment! Whoo hoo! Yup, I'm gonna enjoy this.'

Soon, Jesse was leading her to the assigned ballroom/meeting hall of the fundraiser. The attendant at the door took their tickets and ripped off the stubs before passing them back. When they entered, the greeter took their names and guided them to their table and handed them a small envelope and pen. Wishing them a pleasant evening, the attendant returned to her post. Solya was so entranced with her surroundings, she barely heard Jesse as he brought attention to the envelopes before them.

“So, they've decided to do two charities again this year. Business must have been great last quarter,” Jesse thought out loud.

“I'm sorry, Jesse. What was that?” Solya asked, having only caught half of what he'd said.

“The envelopes, Solya,” he replied as he opened his envelope and motioned for her to do the same, “My father's firm did this last year—donated to two charities in a raffle kind of way—and they're doing it again, I see. Well, I guess that'd be the best way to describe it. Well, read it for yourself,”

She tore open the envelope and found it was pretty much what he said it was. Inside was a ticket, a pamphlet attached to a postage paid envelope, a small card with a checklist of well-known charities and at the bottom of the list, a blank line for any charity not mentioned.

”You see, the firm's main fundraising effort for this dinner was to raise money to supplement The Ryan White Fund—or the lack thereof—for the State of Maryland,” Jesse further explained, “In the last few years funds have dwindled significantly with the war going on, and it was one of the first government-funded subsidies to be cut. It's seriously low now.”

“Ah…The Ryan White Fund…I see,” Solya breathed as she continued to skim the contents,”Oh, it's for…HIV and AIDS infected individuals. Wow. Really good charity.”

“Yeah, that and preventative measures, as well. Stuff like further education for health care providers and education seminars for infected and affected people. And, of course, contraception—condoms, dental dams, needle exchange programs—that kid of stuff.”

“I've never heard of such an organization. Wow, Jesse, you're so informed about all this stuff,” Solya marveled as she took in his dissertation.

“Kind of have to be when I'm sitting in my old man's spot, yanno?”

“Yeah, that makes sense,” Solya allowed and went back to reading the info packet.

“Oh, this is new; says here that they're calling out four tickets this year. First prize is a $5000 donation to the charity that winner checked off and the winner gets an all-access, all-expense paid week in one of the suites here. I want that!”

“Sounds like a winner! Ooh, I like the 2nd and 3rd prizes; either an all-access, all-expense paid 3-day weekend here or a $500 prepaid Visa.”

“Well, I'd say yes to either of those. What's the 4th prize, Cuteness?”

Solya smiled at his pet name for her as it was starting to grow on her. “It says you'll receive a $200 credit at The Gallery. Not too shabby, Jesse.”

The pamphlet went on to explain what the fund was and why there was a need to help extend it's reach to recipients in Maryland in general as well as web links for more information and toll-free numbers.

Solya, remembering the stress Josie went through when one of her older children were diagnosed with lead poisoning and ADHD and she couldn't find a decent hospital or school to thoroughly assist in his early educational and psychological development, decided that that was a worthwhile cause to list.

`If only we had better resources back then…poor Terry would've thrived in a one on one setting like Kennedy Krieger,' Solya sighed to herself and then got an epiphany.

“Kennedy Krieger it is,” she decided as she filled in the blank and crossed her fingers.

“Good charity!” Jesse concluded, signing the same one for his choice.

They were about 25 minutes early and she took that time to visit the restroom under the guise of `powdering her nose' and give her best friend a call.

Well, that was the plan…

“Auntie Sol! Hiya!” squealed Andre, Josie's youngest son, to Solya's surprise.

“Hey, Apple Scrapple! Whatcha doin' on PB's phone?” Solya asked with a smirk, knowing he didn't like being called that nickname anymore but getting a kick out of it, regardless.

“Auntie Sol…” Andre whined and huffed.

“Okay, okay…you keeping your nose clean, Andre?”

“I'm doing as well as can be expected, Auntie. And Uncie PB doesn't know I have his phone—he's got some kiss as—um, I meant he's got some great games on here. And I was bored. So what the hay, right?” Andre answered cheekily.

“Boy, I'm gonna pinch you next time I see you. Now, give me PB and stop wasting folks' daytime minutes—mine especially, ya little urchin,” Solya warned with a roll of her eyes. `That little booger is quite the handful…I don't envy motherhood at all. Still, ya gotta love him…or tolerate him, anyway. Josie, you've got way more patience than I.'

“Yeah, yeah…love you, too, Auntie,” Andre drawled, “Here's your boyfriend.”

“What?” Solya blanched, still in awe of how daring the 5 year old could be, “Little boy, don't get cut. Watch your mouth before I wash it out with soap—the Dollar Store brand, at that.”

“Sorry, Auntie Sol,” he relented meekly, knowing that if there was one adult in the entire world that would actually back up her claims, it was her, “Here's Uncie Jer. Bye.”

“Bye, Apple Scrapple,” she replied, snickering when he huffed again.

“Sol? Hey. What're you doing calling me now? Aren't you on your da—wait, are you okay?” Jerrod inquired in concern.

“Yeah, I'm perfectly fine, Jer. Oh, and do me a favor and pluck the snotty little twit for me a couple times, okay?”

“Good gravy! What'd the spawn of Beelzebub do now?” Jerrod groaned as all sorts of scenarios ran through his head—both Solya and Jerrod knew of Andre's knack for mischief.

Laughing as she imagined the look on Jerrod's face at the moment, she replied, “Ask the little darling. You know he'd never lie to you.”

“You're being sarcastic, aren't you?”

“Who…me? Nah. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how awesome this hotel is and to thank you.”

“Thank me? For...?”

“For trusting me, Jer. It means more than you know.”

“No biggie, Sol. Have a great time and let me know all about it when you get back, okay?”

“Sure thing!” Solya beamed

“Oh, and one more thing…” Jerrod added in all seriousness.

“That is?”

“I know I don't need to tell you but…well, your memory's awful and—”

“Gee, thanks…”

“Just…don't do anything you don't feel comfortable doing. Remember what I told you about dating in general, how it's anything from a friendly outing to a romantic getaway—and I know you're not all into romance, right now, so—”

“Amen, brother!” Solya agreed wholeheartedly with a shudder.

“—so,” Jerrod continued unperturbed, “Be careful, trust your gut, and don't over-think things too much. Just have fun and enjoy. Call me if you need me, buddy.”

“Cool, Jerrod, and thanks again. Later, man.”

“Later, Sol.”

Hanging up, Solya checked her cell's clock and saw she had 16 more minutes. Using the facilities and washing her hands and reapplying her lip gloss, she went back out to sit with her date.

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As Jesse once again observed Solya's nervous affixation with her just about anything she could get her hands on—the menu, the pepper grinder, her salad fork and . He figured the reason for her uncharacteristic fidgeting was her perceived actions towards dating. It didn't take a rocket scientist to tell this was probably one of her first dates, if not the first one, based on her stiffness alone. It was as if she was trying to be something that fit the bill but wasn't her at all and he felt her discomfort as easily as his own breathing.

Noticing Jesse staring at her, Solya gulped and racked her brain for a suitable response. Zilch. She had nothing. At a loss, she just grinned sheepishly and took another swallow of water.

`Okay, not too fast, I don't want to choke and embarrass myself. Um…I guess I should try small talk now, right? What would Jazmin do? Urk! Never mind—wrong example! Josie? Hmm…'

In the midst of her inner inventory of worthy friends to emulate, she decided to squeeze some lemon into her glass of water—and accidentally squirted Jesse in the eye.

“Oh my gawd! Jesse, I'm so sorry!”

“Its okay, Solya,” Jesse tried to convey as he started to wipe the juice from his eye.

“Why am I such a klutz this evening? No! Don't wipe your eye with your hand. Here, use my napkin. But blot it, don't wipe it. It'll sting more if you do,” Solya panicked as Jesse blinked furiously, “I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sor—”

“Breathe, Cuteness. It's alright; no permanent damage done,” Jesse couldn't help but laugh seeing Solya so disheveled over a simple mistake. He accepted her napkin and blotted his eye, the entire time stifling a laugh.

Solya grimaced and looked at Jerrod apologetically. At seeing his calm face—absent blinking notwithstanding—she nodded and took a few seconds to calm her breathing. “O-Okay,” she breathed shakily.

She was embarrassed—closer to mortified, actually—and it showed, so he figured he'd put her out of her misery.

“You know, Solya, this is supposed to be fun an—”

“I am having fun,” She insisted with a smile she hoped would back up her claim.

It didn't.

“Look, Solya, just treat this outing with me like as would any other evening in my charming company—belching and punching excluded.”

“You're a hoot, Jesse, you know that?”

“I've got my moments and half hours. Now, back to you, Solya—don't stress the details, tonight. Just enjoy.”

“But, I—”

“Just…be you, Cuteness. That's all I ever wanted out of you tonight,” Jesse suggested simply with a shrug of his shoulders and was pleased to receive her relieved grin. “You look really nice, by the way—your idea?”

Solya blushed then grimaced, inside pissed off at the ease with which he could discomfit her. Yes, the compliments were nice, but Solya hated to blush—especially in front of guys.

“The clothes, yeah…everything else was utter peer pressure.”

“Had a feeling; not that I don't like the change—you're so pretty! It's just I'm more used to the casual chic Solya: cotton over cashmere and all that. And I have a feeling you are, too.”

“He's a keen observer, Ladies and Gentlemen. Give that boy a cookie!” Solya quipped.

“That I am. And if you must give me a cookie in this fine establishment, I'll take a Fruit Newton.”

“But, my good man, I cannot.”

“Why ever not, M'Lady?”

“Why? Because, Jesse, a Fruit Newton is fruit and cake—how about an Oreo?”

“Hmm…nah—that's way too domestic. I'll take a Milano, a Geneva or Bordeaux.”

“Such exquisite tastes.”

“And they go great with French Vanilla ice cream,” Jesse added with a quirk of his eyebrow.

“Might have to try that; is that your favorite flavor?”

“No, actually I love Tin Roof, Butter Pecan, Cherry Garcia, Cookies and Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip, Rocky Road, and Fudge Ripple.”

Solya blinked and Jesse shot her a “what?” expression. “Dude…those are all my favorite flavors!”

“Seriously?”

“No joke! Oh, wait, not Cherry Garcia. After a few spoonfuls, it's too sweet for me. Oh, and I do like Breyer's Sara Lee Cherry Cheesecake ice cream, too; all in moderation, of course.”

“Of course. Would you like ice cream for desert?”

“Nah, I think I'll try the Tiramisu. I've never had it.”

“Me either. How about you order that and I order something else and we sample each other's choices?”

“Depends…”

“On?”

“Are you heavy handed with a spoon?”

Jesse clutched his heart dramatically. “You wound me, Cuteness! No such thing!”

“Mmm hmm, we shall see,” Solya grinned absently as she scanned her menu.

“Figure out what you want to eat yet?” Jesse asked when he saw their waiter approaching the table.

“No, but I think I'll start with a Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Caesar salad—sounds interesting! Oh, and a raspberry iced tea would go great with that, sir,” Solya smiled to her waiter who smiled back and told her that the salad she'd requested was fast becoming a favorite.

“Hmph!” Jesse scoffed as the waiter continued to smile at Solya just a bit longer than he was comfortable with.

“How about you, Mr. Sota?” Solya asked Jesse as she tried to stifle her laugh when Jesse practically glared at the waiter.

“Um, not much into rabbit food, myself; I'll get some jalapeño poppers and crab puffs…and chicken quesadillas with strawberry lemonade, please.”

The waiter nodded and took their menus, before walking away.

“Hmm, gorge much?” Solya teased.

“Hey, I'm a growing young man. Plus, I had only a light breakfast or a Pop Tart, a pear and a glass of OJ today—I'm starving here.”

“Okay, Jesse, sounds like a plan—getcha grub on,” Solya relented, passing her menu to the waiter and winking at Jesse.

“Girl, don't start that with me.”

“What?”

“You just winked at me. I saw it and you can't take it back,” Jesse gloated gleefully.

“Calm down, Jes. I'd give my grandfather more emotion,” Solya sighed

“Gee, thanks,” Jesse returned with quelling glance, “You do wonders for the male ego…”

Solya smirked at that, and then stuck her tongue out.

Jesse grinned and shook his head.

“Ooh, looks like the next band is warming up—hush up, Jesse,” Solya warned with a shushing motion.

“You did not just shush me. Did you just shush me, Solya?”

“Sure did. Aww, did I bruise your ego…again? Okay, how about this?” Solya paused to clear her throat and bat her eyelashes, then, in a much higher, sugary voice, “Please, Jesse-poo. The band's about to start playing and I wanna hear. Can we continue this conversation later; for me?”

“Okay, that was just plain creepy. Um, Solya, don't do that again,” Jesse chucked as he crossed his two index fingers into a cross sign, “You sounded possessed, girl!”

“Well, it works for my girl buds.”

“Like I said, Cuteness, just be you.”

“Gotcha,” Solya agreed easily enough and the two settled in for the band's tribute to Grover Washington and Al Jarreau.

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Three hours into the evening, after a delicious 3-course meal and lots of great music and pleasant conversation, Solya was enjoying her first taste of Tiramisu—and a couple spoonfuls of Jesse's fried ice cream—when Jesse almost made her choke. One of her favorite local bands was playing and she was very relaxed and content—till Jesse asked her to dance with him, that is.

“You are kidding, right?” Solya shrieked, though not loudly, “I don't know how to slow dance at all, Jesse.”

“No, I'm not kidding, and I could just lead you. Consider it learning to dance with Cliff Notes—I'll have your back the entire time,” Jesse offered as he rose from his seat and extended his hand to her, “C'mon, Cuteness. Let's go show off our fancy duds.”

“Um…um…uh…okay,” Solya stammered before taking his hand, deciding to try something new for a change. `What could it hurt? This is Jesse. It'll be fine.'

They made their way to the middle of the section set aside for dancing and basically swayed to the music until a comfortable rhythm had been established. Soon his left hand rested lightly on the small of her back and his right hand clasped her left hand between them. Though not used to this kind of close contact with men, she found it wasn't nearly as difficult as she'd made it out to be. About a minute into the dance, his steps became predictable enough that she could fully relax and mimic his motions.

“Not bad, Cuteness; you catch on quickly,” Jesse commended her as the band started a new song.

“Yes! Now this dancing I can do. You up for some two-stepping?” Solya smirked as the band played the opening notes to Chuck Mangione's `Feels So Good'.

“I gotta tell you, Solya, I'm totally green here,” Jesse admitted with a small shrug, “Teach me?”

“Sure.”

And that's what they did for the next three songs until Solya admitted that she needed a breather and Jesse happily followed her back to the table. After another glass of raspberry tea for Solya and a Coke for Jesse, the MC came to the mike and gave a speech in thanks to the hotel, the performers, and all the charitable contributors. Soon, he announced the winners to the raffle. Neither Jesse nor Solya won anything, but that was well enough for her. The person who did get their name picked for the $5000 charitable contribution to their chosen organization chose The John's Hopkins Children's Center and Solya figured it was close enough to her choice of Kennedy Krieger, seeing as how it was the same hospital and, in the long run, still helped children.

Soon afterward, the MC called an end to the entertainment and wished everyone a pleasant evening. It was late, but earlier than Solya figured, at 10:17 pm. Jesse called his driver and within 10 minutes, they were on the way to Solya's house. Her father gave Jesse an 11:30 pm curfew for getting Solya back that the evening, with an extra hour allowance for unforeseen events. Knowing he had time to work with, Jesse still chose not to push his luck and took her straight home.

It was 11:02 pm when the limo stopped in front of her apartment, having taken the scenic route as Jesse suggested. Jesse gave her a hand getting out of the limo and saw her into the building and followed her into the elevator to her floor, the entire time holding her hand. When he'd walked her to the door, Solya started biting her lower lip.

Jesse noticed it.

`I wonder what she's thinking,' Jesse thought as he glanced at her from the corner of his eye.

“I had a really nice time, Jesse. Maybe we can do this again next year?” She asked hopefully as he leaned in slowly.

“Yeah…”

A/N: Cheesiest cliffie ever? Well, sue me. **blows raspberry** JK, guys…I just felt like being lame, for once and there is a reason why I called this chapter `The Date (Part One)', after all… Since this was one of the hardest chapters I've had to write so far and it took so long, I'll give you guys the title of the next chapter and let your imaginations go wild: Chapter 11: The Date (Part Two) Never Been Kissed.

Until then, peace and chicken grease!

OH!!!! A/N (2):Yay to my two newest reviewers! Wolf Blossom (Mediaminer.org) and kittyluvr1 (FictionPress.com), you two made my day! Thanks so much! And thanks to Sueric, cutechick18 and OROsan for the help, advice and resources in the forum—you guys are socool!!!